Hams cites two-week suspension for big lift

South Fremantle defender Kyle Hams has cited a two-week suspension from earlier in the season as the motivation for his recent purple patch of form.

The 22-year-old was best afield for the Bulldogs at Fremantle Oval on Friday night, amassing a career-high 41 possessions as the ladder leaders defeated East Perth by 47 points.

The 17.16 (118) to 11.5 (71) victory was set up in the first term when South Fremantle overcame boggy conditions to boot six goals to one for the quarter.

Hams said he felt he had needed to make it up to his teammates after a clash with East Fremantle's Chris Basile in round 10 earned him a stint on the sidelines.

"I got two weeks and I trained my a..e off and thought if I don't get back in the side I'd be shattered," he said.

Hams' performances since returning from suspension have included a 31-possession effort against Claremont in round 15.

He has notched up 81 games since making his league debut for the Bulldogs in 2005 and has become a core part of South Fremantle's defensive unit alongside twin brother Ashton.

Kyle Hams said he had been surprised at his final possession tally on Friday night, claiming he had not played that well during the match.

Bulldogs coach John Dimmer praised his side's defensive efforts and said the victory had been an excellent result considering the team had been reduced to one interchange player by midway through the second quarter.